Alhambra, CA Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Alhambra Municipal Code Chapter 6.36
- Permit fee, 7-24 children
- $50 (no fee for six or fewer)
- Permit fee, 25+ persons
- $100
- Permit term
- Expires 12 months from issuance
- Renewal deadline
- File at least 10 days before expiration
- Appeal window
- 10 days to appeal to City Council
- Enforcing officer
- Superintendent of Building
Summary
Alhambra requires a city permit for day nurseries, foster family homes, institutions for children, and similar childcare and boarding facilities before they open, under Municipal Code Chapter 6.36. The Superintendent of Building issues the permit after investigation by the police, fire, building and county health departments; care by a relative or legal guardian is exempt.
It shall be unlawful and is hereby declared to be a misdemeanor for any person to conduct or carry on any activity defined in this chapter without having a valid permit therefor issued by the city. A permit shall not be required, however, for the receiving or care of a child or children under 18 years of age by a relative or by the legal guardian of such child or children, nor shall a permit be required for the receiving or care of any such child or children during a temporary period by a close friend of the parent or guardian, with the consent of the parent or guardian, when such receiving and care is without compensation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
36 of the Alhambra Municipal Code (originally adopted as Ord. 3148 under the 1986 Code) regulates day nurseries, family day care homes, foster family homes, institutions for children, homes for the aged, parent-child boarding homes, and special boarding and day care homes for children. 100 makes it a misdemeanor to operate any of these without a city permit; care by a relative or legal guardian, or temporary unpaid care by a close family friend, needs no permit. 120: none for nonprofits or homes with six or fewer children, $25 for two or fewer aged residents, $50 for seven to 24 children or three to 24 aged residents, and $100 for 25 or more children or aged persons.
130, the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Superintendent of Building and the County Health Officer each investigate the applicant, and every adult who lives or works on site, other than the people being cared for, must be fingerprinted. 140 lets the Superintendent deny, condition, or approve the permit based on those reports; a criminal record or code violations can block issuance. 160) or the permit lapses automatically. 180).
Violations & Fines
Operating a covered childcare or boarding facility without a permit is a misdemeanor under § 6.36.100, punishable as provided in the general penalty section, § 1.12.010, referenced directly at the end of the chapter. Giving false or fictitious information on a permit application also violates § 6.36.110(B). The Superintendent of Building may suspend or revoke an existing permit for noncompliance found during the annual investigation or an additional inspection under § 6.36.130(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a home caring for my own relative's children need a permit?
How much does an Alhambra childcare facility permit cost?
What happens if the city denies or revokes my permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
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